A Heavy Metaphor: Werner Herzog's Fitzcarraldo

On this week's episode, Ibrahim & I look at a controversial and divisive film, Werner Herzog's Fitzcarraldo ( 1982). Herzog has proven himself a true artist and poet of Cinema. The notorious and infamous actions of his filmmaking history are well known. Irresponsible filmmaking or the Dogged Determination of an artist unwilling to compromise? The question is an important one to ask. In no other film that I have watched have I felt the overwhelming sense of danger and awe that must have been palpable on the set of Herzog's 1982. From losing two major actors, through cast and crew rebellion, violence directed at the production and crew, and - finally - the often violently contentious relationship between Herzog and his (six time) leading man, Klaus Kinski, the debate on responsible filmmaking is unmatched in the modern-era of filmmaking. With a demanding eye rivaling Fritz Lang and Erich von Stroheim, with Fitzcarraldo, Herzog certainly made a name for himself in the history of cinematic visionaries. Take a listen as we debate the merits of Herzog, Kinski, and the production. We think you'll find it interesting. Many Thanks. 

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. 

The History of Rock N Roll  Part VIII - Echo Chamber: Phil Spector's Wall of Sound

This week, Mr. Chavez & I continue our exploration of The History of Rock N Roll with a look at one of the most important production figures in the History of Modern Music - Phil Spector. Of course we look at the salacious and tabloid  driven end of Spector's life, but the two of us are far more interested in the revolutionary producing skills of the Bronx born former teen pop star. In order to cover this topic properly we look at David Mamet's HBO produced 2013 docudrama - Phil Spector, as well as the BBC produced, Vikram Jayanti directed, Phil Spector: the agony and the ecstasy (2008). We finish the episode with a great documentary profiling The West Coast/Wall of Sound production that would lay a powerful and transformative foundation to popular music, Danny Tedesco's The Wrecking Crew (2008). This is a touching and enlightening film that introduces audiences to so many of the great session players of the 1960s, including: Tommy Tedesco, Earl Palmer, Hal Blaine, Leon Russell, Glenn Campbell, Plas Johnson, and Carol Kaye, to name just a few. Take a listen - it's a fun and interesting conversation.

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. As Always, Many Thanks.

The History of Rock N Roll Part VII - Don't Let Me Down: Peter Jackson's Get Back

On this week's episode, Mr. Chavez & I sit down to discuss Peter Jackson's Get Back, an eight-hour Disney+ documentary series chronicling the making of The Beatles Let It Be. There's a whole lot to take down in these viewings, but we look at it as important to understanding the History of Rock N Roll. Take a listen as we get into the artistry of creating, the frustrations, jealousies, and triumphs that accompany art. It's a good talk. We hope you'll join us. Questions, Comments, Complaints, and Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks.

"Always This Hard." - Luc Besson's Léon: The Professional

This week, Mr. Chavez & I sit down to discuss a classic of the1990's, Luc Besson's 1994 Hit-Man Love Story, Léon: The Professional. A fascinating film that transcends it's reputation as an inappropriate male-fantasy, Besson's story of a young girl orphaned when her family is murdered by D.E.A. agents and taken in by slow-witted, but gentle and caring, hit-man, Léon: The Professional is a film that tackles much larger issues than is normally seen in an action movie.

Ibrahim & I are very aware of the controversies and problems of this film, Besson's personal life, and - most importantly - Natalie Portman's experiences with early sexualization that were born out of this film. Regardless of all of the problems (and we are NOT dismissing them in anyway) this is a film with sad, nuanced, and beautiful performances, as well as an over-the-top and bravado one by the great Gary Oldman. This was a fun film to go back to. We hope you enjoy the talk.

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Our Continued Thanks for Your Love & Support.

Windows Never Lie: The Voyeuristic Eye of Alfred Hitchcock

On this week's episode, Ibrahim & I sit down to discuss an Alfred Hitchcock Masterpiece, Rear Window (1954). Surprisingly, this is a film that your learned host has somehow missed. After a rocky start, The Master of Suspense pulls Rick Ramos in once again. This is a masterpiece of suspense working within limited parameters. Far more than a simple "gimmick" the great director's look at a man laid up with a broken leg who finds himself consumed and infatuated with the goings-on of his apartment courtyard and the surrounding apartment windows, is an early examination of voyeurism and social media (Yes! Listen to the episode to understand.). Long in the shadows of Psycho and Vertigo this is a truly underrated Hitchcock Classic. We're thrilled to be sitting down to discuss it. Hopefully, you'll enjoy the talk. Thanks for your continued support. Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. 

"The Thing Ain't the Ring, It's the Play." - Raging Bull: Martin Scorsese & Robert DeNiro's Examination of a Dangerous, Violent, Damaged Man

A blurb about Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull (1980) is completely unnecessary. Regularly cited as the Best Film of the 1980's and One of the Greatest Films of All Time, Raging Bull is a powerful examination of a man who only understands pain . . . dispensing and absorbing. With an incredible (Oscar Winning Lead Performance) from Robert DeNiro as Middleweight Boxing Champion, Jake La Motta "The Bronx Bull", and a supporting cast including Joe Pesci, Nicholas Colosanto, Frank Vincent, and - in a wonderful debut - Cathy Moriarty, Raging Bull is a masterpiece of Cinema. We are thrilled to sit down and talk this Classic.

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks.

The Ghost of Dune: Jodorowsky's Unmade Masterpiece

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I continue our look at Frank Herbert's Classic Sci-Fi Novel, Dune. There's no shortage of angles to come at this movie from. Last week we looked at Denis Villeneuve's new film playing in theaters and HBOMax right now. This week Mr. Chavez & I touch on David Lynch's failed early-80's effort with producer Dino De Laurentis. A disastrous production and final product that Lynch has disowned and has great difficulty discussing, for the longest time Dune seemed unfilmable. But the meat of today's episode lays with Frank Pavich's 2013 documentary, Jodorowsky's Dune - a documentary on the making of the most famous un-filmed project in Cinema History. Featuring interviews with directors Richard Stanley and Nicholas Winding Refn, special effects, production and artistic designers, and producers including: H.R. Giger, Michel Seydoux, Chris Foss, and Jean Giraud. This is a fascinating documentary on one of the greatest disappointments in Cinema. A Must-See for all fans of Cinema. Take a listen and enjoy. 

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks. 

Lawrence of Arrakis: Denis Villeneuve's Dune

This week Ibrahim & I take a look at a film currently playing in theaters and HBO MAX, Denis Villeneuve's Dune. There's a hell of a lot going on here; some good, some not so good. Villeneuve's a true visionary who pushes expectations. But is that always enough? Neither Ibrahim nor I are exactly sure. There are problems with Frank Herbert's 1965 novel (as well as David Lynch's 1984 troubled adaptation), but there are also aspects that are so grand and beautifully imagined that it's almost forgivable. There's a lot to talk about and Ibrahim & I do just that. Take a listen to see if you agree, disagree, or are - simply - confused by the whole thing. It's a good talk, either way. Take a listen and let us know what you think.

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Many Thanks.

Night Phantom: Werner Herzog's Nosferatu the Vampyre

On this week's episode, Ibrahim & I close out The Halloween Season with a look at an exceptional re-imagining of a Horror Classic, Werner Herzog's 1979 masterpiece Nosferatu the Vampyre. Featuring great performances from Bruno Ganz, Isabelle Adjani, and a masterful Klaus Kinski, this is easily one of the great Dracula re-tellings. It's a thrill for Ibrahim & I to sit down, look back, and discuss this great work of cinema. There's a whole lot going on in this episode. Take a listen as we celebrate Halloween. 

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Our Continued Thanks. 

The Wolf Will Out: The Universal Werewolf

On this week's episode of WatchThis W/RickRamos, Ibrahim & I sit down to discuss the third of The Great Universal Movie Monsters, Lon Chaney Jr. in his signature role as Lawrence Talbot, The Wolf Man. This is an incredible five picture run - the only actor in the Universal Monster canon who played his signature character through the character's entire run - The Wolf Man (1941), Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943), House of Frankenstein (1944), House of Dracula (1945), and Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948). In a touching and iconic performance, Chaney would rise past his famous lineage to create one of the greatest of screen monsters. In this episode we salute the great man, the character, and it's long-lasting power. We also take a look at 2010's remake/re-boot, The Wolfman starring Benicio del Toro, Emily Blunt, Hugo Weaving, and Anthony Hopkins. This is a good time that you don't want to miss. Take a listen.

Questions, Comments, Complaints, & Suggestions can be directed to gondoramos@yahoo.com. Thanks.